Can journaling actually help relieve stress? Read below to see the science of journaling!
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Journaling Ideas and Science
What do journaling ideas and science have in common? A legitimate way for you to get your brain working and relax. Scientists have conducted studies and discovered an actual correlation between not just writing down your emotions, but that even the physical act of writing something by hand alone can be a stress release.
You’ve seen me write before about the benefits of journaling and how it’s helped me. Join me in examining more of the science of journaling!
Benefits of the Writing Process
Believe it or not, there are simple benefits to a journaling practice. For starters, a journal can be a safe place to “dump” your thoughts and feelings. There are multiple reasons why processing your feelings on paper can be beneficial. One, paper and the writing process can be a distancing factor. The act of writing, itself, slows down our thought process so we can potentially be more objective about what we’re experiencing rather than just sitting and stewing with our thoughts in our head.
It can also be used as a record and opportunity to spot patterns in our own behavior. As mentioned earlier, sometimes we need distance to be objective about our own faults. Sometimes it takes seeing them in black and white for us to take ownership of our own bad habits and flaws. This is also why so many therapists suggest journaling as a homework portion of the therapy process.
The Brain Chemistry of the Writing Process
As I mentioned earlier, there is a literal science behind the journaling process. We all know the fight or flight response to stress. But did you know that writing can actually help tame that response? Yes, there’s the slowing down the thought process, but in addition to that there is actual brain chemistry triggered. Our limbic system, or specifically the amgydala is responsible for processing emotions. This is the part of our body that triggers that fight or flight response.
A brain imaging study done in UCLA showed that the physical act of writing reduces activity in the amygdala, therefore calming down that fight or flight reflex. So, it’s not imagined, writing really does help you reduce that “overwhelmed” feeling.
Increasing Productivity
Another study also found that writing before a stressful event like a test or big presentation actually increased brain efficiency. Again, that act of releasing stressful thoughts and worries, calmed their overactive brain activity so it was then able to focus and perform more effectively.
Tip of the Iceberg
There are plenty more studies and reasons to prove how journaling and science are connected. But honestly, I’m a believer in trying it for myself. So, try sitting down and writing for just a few minutes. Set a timer if it helps. Give yourself zero expectations and write whatever comes to mind. See how you feel when you’re done. I can almost guarantee you’ll feel lighter.
Happy Journaling!
See my other post on the benefits of journaling and how you can get started here!
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